About This Concert:

An all-American tour-de-force program including Bernstein’s first film score On the Waterfront and the suite from Copland’s ever-popular ballet Billy the Kid. Two soloists grace the concert: Sharon Bezaly offering the U.S. premiere of a Flute Concerto by House of Cards composer Jeff Beal and the Orchestra’s own Susie Park performing Barber’s soulful Violin Concerto.

Fun Facts:

Barber had a nickname for his Violin Concerto: he called it the "Concerto da Sapone," (the Soap Concerto) because the work was commissioned by Samuel Fels, who made his fortune selling soap. The work is known for its beautiful opening movements and lightning-fast finale.

Bernstein centennial celebrations are starting up all over the world, and we launch ours with this early masterpiece for Hollywood.

Bernstein was chosen to write the score for On the Waterfront largely because of his celebrity in the early 1950s and the producers wanted “a big name” on the posters to help sell tickets to the film.

Today, Waterfront is remembered for the power of Marlon Brando’s performance and Bernstein’s score, both of which shocked audiences with a blend of tenderness and violence.

Copland’s Billy the Kid contains a gunfight (tricky percussion!)—written so convincingly that few composers have attempted it since.

Jeff Beal has four Emmys for his film and television scores, including Netflix’s House of Cards.

#MNOrch

Plan your visit

Other Ways to Buy

About This Concert:

An all-American tour-de-force program including Bernstein’s first film score On the Waterfront and the suite from Copland’s ever-popular ballet Billy the Kid. Two soloists grace the concert: Sharon Bezaly offering the U.S. premiere of a Flute Concerto by House of Cards composer Jeff Beal and the Orchestra’s own Susie Park performing Barber’s soulful Violin Concerto.

Fun Facts:

Barber had a nickname for his Violin Concerto: he called it the "Concerto da Sapone," (the Soap Concerto) because the work was commissioned by Samuel Fels, who made his fortune selling soap. The work is known for its beautiful opening movements and lightning-fast finale.

Bernstein centennial celebrations are starting up all over the world, and we launch ours with this early masterpiece for Hollywood.

Bernstein was chosen to write the score for On the Waterfront largely because of his celebrity in the early 1950s and the producers wanted “a big name” on the posters to help sell tickets to the film.

Today, Waterfront is remembered for the power of Marlon Brando’s performance and Bernstein’s score, both of which shocked audiences with a blend of tenderness and violence.

Copland’s Billy the Kid contains a gunfight (tricky percussion!)—written so convincingly that few composers have attempted it since.

Jeff Beal has four Emmys for his film and television scores, including Netflix’s House of Cards.

Listen on Spotify

Preview this performance for free, using Spotify. If you're a member, simply click play. To download Spotify, click the green circle.

Coffee Concert

Concert Preview

When: 10:15-10:35am
Where: Auditorium
Join Phillip Gainsley for an informative and entertaining look at the concert repertoire and themes. This 30-minute concert preview is free; however, a concert ticket is required for entry.